Ricola – Swiss herbal candies with Alpine power and tradition

A true Swiss success story from Laufen

Reading Time:    5 Min.
Publication:        February 19, 2026, Jessy Thür

When it comes to typical Swiss culinary culture, almost everyone immediately thinks of chocolate or cheese - but one very special sweet treat also belongs on this list: Ricola, the legendary herbal candies from Switzerland. For almost a century, they have stood for natural ingredients, alpine tradition, and Swiss craftsmanship. This article highlights how Ricola came into being, why the famous 13-herb blend is so unique, and how the company combines sustainability with Swiss identity today.

From Laufen to the world – the story of a Swiss success story

Ricola was founded in 1930 in the small town of Laufen in the canton of Basel-Land. At that time, confectioner Emil Wilhelm Richterich opened a confectionery shop where he produced and sold sweets and herbal products. Fascinated by the power of Swiss alpine herbs, he soon began experimenting with his own blends and made his breakthrough in 1940 with a very special combination of herbs: the famous 13-herb blend that remains at the heart of all Ricola candies to this day.

The name Ricola is a clever combination of “RIchterich und COmpagnie LAufen” and has been a registered trademark for Swiss quality and naturalness since 1946.

Today, Ricola is a globally renowned Swiss family business with a presence in over 40 countries and more than 60 herbal products - from classic herbal candies to sugar-free varieties and herbal teas.

The magic of 13 Swiss Alpine herbs

What makes Ricola truly unique is its famous blend of 13 Alpine herbs. These herbs grow in the clean mountain air of the Swiss Alps - far away from industry and traffic - where they develop particularly pure and aromatic flavors.

The list of herbs includes:
Herbs
• Peppermint
• Sage
• Thyme
• Mallow
• Veronica
• Elderberry
• Ribwort plantain
• Yarrow
• Lady's mantle
• Horehound
• Burnet
• Marshmallow
• Oregano wormwood species

This blend is more than just flavor: it provides the characteristic aroma and pleasantly gentle effect for which Ricola candies are famous.

Swiss herb farmers as partners

Another reason for Ricola's high quality is its close collaboration with around 100 Swiss mountain farmers who grow the herbs according to organic standards (Bio Suisse). The careful selection of regional cultivation areas - in five different regions of Switzerland - ensures that the plants thrive in ideal climatic conditions.

After harvesting, the herbs are gently dried, cleaned, and processed in a precise procedure to create the well-known mixture from which the characteristic candies are later made.

Made in Switzerland – and loved far beyond its borders

Although Ricola is now sold worldwide, all herbal sweets are still produced in Switzerland. The “Swiss Made” seal is not just a marketing label but an expression of genuine quality and local value creation.

Ricola candies are available in many varieties - from classic herbal drops to fruity flavors and sugar-free options. The combination with menthol or eucalyptus is also particularly popular, often becoming the first choice for sore throats and cold relief.

The world-famous commercials with the characteristic “Riiicooolaaa!” cry and alphorn sounds have also made Ricola a real cultural phenomenon and secured its place in pop culture.

Sustainability and responsibility

Ricola has also made a mark in recent years in terms of sustainability. In 2023, the company received B Corporation certification, a seal of approval for companies that take social and environmental responsibility seriously.

The Ricola Herb Center in Laufen, which opened in 2014, is not only a production facility but also a place for research, education, and sustainable projects related to herbs and nature. Visitors there gain direct insight into the world of herbs, their processing, and their significance.

Ricola as part of Swiss identity

Ricola is more than just a sweet - it is a piece of Swiss culture and history. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, high-quality regional raw materials, and a modern sustainability philosophy makes Ricola a special example of successful Swiss brand management.

Whether as an everyday companion, a gift from Switzerland, or a symbol of natural herbal power, Ricola is a treat that is appreciated far beyond the country's borders.

All information provided without guarantee.


«www.yellowpages.swiss»

Location: Baselstrasse 31, 4242 Laufen, Switzerland

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